But am I on the right path?
Many individuals jump into a tradition that they do not fully understand, only to later find out that there is another that would have been better suited for them. It is easy to get confused, or to leap before really researching because there are so many traditions within the Caribbean. To top it all off, most of these traditions do not feature English as their native language, making research by English speakers that much more difficult.
There are a variety of paths within the Caribbean traditions, and for each and every person in the world there exists the right path just for him or her. I am going to describe a couple of different traditions, which are closely related to Vodou. I have been initiated in them since a young age, and thus know about them quite extensively. Now these traditions, if you understand them, may be better suited for you. I will also be outlining some things you can ask yourself so that maybe you can better decide which path to walk, and live happily as a successful, joyful, and content human being.
Let me name and describe the traditions, about which so little information is actually available, so that you may be able to find the path that is best for you:
Espiritismo de La Mesa Blanca: This is Spiritism. At its most basic level, it invokes God and the Positive Spirits to divinate for and assist the person. There is the use of a table covered with a white cloth, a large bowl full of water, and a crucifix. There are no initiations into this tradition and people work together at gatherings called Misas.
Sanse: Sanse is a cross between Spiritism and the 21 Divisions (see below). In this tradition, the dead and the Lwa (or Misterios) are worked with spiritually. There is an initiation called a Bautizo (Baptism) and people work with all sorts of different spiritual tableaus, or frameworks. If you would like to know more about this tradition click here
Dominican Vodou: Also known as the 21 Divisions. This is working with the Lwa/Misterios in the form that they are known and served within the Dominican Republic. This tradition has three levels of initiation, but these initiations do not serve the same purpose they do in other traditions. If you would like to know more about this tradition click here
Haitian Vodou: This is working with and serving the Lwa as traditionally known in Haiti. In this tradition, people are initiated and have set rules and regulations. If you would like to know more about this tradition click here
Where do I belong?
Here I will give you general guidelines that will help you decide which tradition is the right path for you to take.
You should consider Mesa Blanca if:
•You are a medium.
•You work independently.
•You don’t feel a need to identify your spirits.
You should consider Sanse if:
•You desire to elevate yourself spiritually.
•You have a connection with your spirits.
•You have spirits that come from an array of different locations (for example Gypsies, Orichas, Lwa, Arabs, Chinese Spirits, etc)
•You want to elevate and work with all your
spiritual tableaus or frameworks.
•You don’t want to depend on an initiator to teach you.
•You don’t mind working alone, or prefer it.
•You don’t like strict rules and regulations.
•You are self reliant.
You should consider 21 Divisions if:
•You desire to work with the Dominican Mysteries or feel that you are being called to them.
•You don’t want to totally depend on an initiator to teach you, but you do want someone who you can go to if you need help.
•You want some example as to how it’s done, but still desire flexibility.
•You want the Spirits to teach you.
•You do not want to travel to Haiti.
You should consider Haitian Vodou if:
•You feel as though you are being called by the Lwa of Haiti.
•You like a set form on how to do things. (i.e. tradition)
•You are good at following rules and regulations.
•You are good at working in groups.
•You are willing to study hard.
•You understand the need for structure.
